Bakersfield.com

Ninety years is a notable figure in a lifetime, but even more remarkable for a religious organization.  St. Margaret Mary's Institute No. 82 will celebrate its 90th anniversary on October 4, 2008, with a luncheon and meeting at the Four Seasons Sheraton. Grand President Joan Vandehey from Salem, Oregon will make her official visit.
 
Forty-six Catholic ladies including Genevieve Howell and the Noreiga sisters met to form the first San Joaquin branch in the San Joaquin Valley of Young Ladies Institute, a Catholic women's society organized in 1887 in San Francisco to encourage sisterly love, protection and unity for its members.  Now YLI has about 8,000 members in Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii.
 
Father Egan, pastor of St. Joseph Church, suggested the name of St. Margaret Mary since her feast day is October 17, a few weeks after their first meeting.  The Knights of Columbus provided the hall for weekly, evening meetings.  The rent was set at half the profit from St. Margaret Mary's socials.
 
A military whist party for 112, dances at St. Francis Hall, and frequent socials following the meetings ensured a busy social life.  The influenza epidemic of 1918 closed the meetings for a few weeks in October and November, but the group reopened with enthusiasm and initiates
 
In addition to developing Catholic fellowship, members raise money for the education of seminarians, the Rd Cross, Catholic Social Service, First Communion outfits for poor children, and baby clothes for needy mothers.  A perpetual novena throughout YLI supports its members in prayer.
 
Now six have been members for over 60 years, three for 50, and fifteen for 25 years.  News members are welcome.  Contact Mary Goldman 834-0690 for information.